To best manage your multiple sclerosis symptoms, you may need the help of different care providers. Find out who to include on your MS care team.

To manage multiple sclerosis (MS) effectively, you'll likely
need a coordinated team of medical professionals, each with a unique role in
helping you to best manage your symptoms. “You may be able to find your MS care
team all in one place at an MS care center,” says Rosalind Kalb, PhD, a
clinical psychologist and the director of the
Professional Resource Center at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in New
York City. However, if you don’t live near a dedicated MS center, you
should still be able to assemble an MS care team within your community.

Certain care providers should be part of a primary care team
that most everyone with MS will likely need to rely on. Other professionals may
be needed based on your specific symptoms as part of an extended MS care team. To
help you get started, here's a look at the types of specialists you may want to
consider including on your MS care team:

Your Primary MS Care
Team

Primary care
physician. A primary care physician should be a key member of your MS care
team. “You need a primary care doctor to focus on your overall health in
addition to your MS,” Dr. Kalb says. You need regular health screenings, and your
primary care doctor can guide you with these as well as immunizations and other
preventive health measures to help keep you well.

Neurologist. A
neurologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating nervous
system conditions such as MS. They identify MS symptoms and exacerbations. Depending on your individual needs, you may
see your neurologist only once or twice a year. “The primary management of your
MS should be done by your primary care physician with input from your
neurologist as needed,” Kalb says.

MS nurse. “Nurses
can play essential roles in your MS care,” says Kathleen Costello, RN, MS, a
nurse practitioner and research associate at the Johns Hopkins Multiple
Sclerosis Center in Baltimore. “A nurse is often the one who has the time and
the hands-on skills to provide you with the education and counseling you need to
best manage MS,” Kalb says. In the short time you have with your doctor, you
probably won’t be able to talk about all of your MS symptoms and how to manage
them. Your nurse can help you communicate with your doctor to connect the dots.”

Nutritionist. A
nutritionist or dietitian can assist with weight management and address any dietary
deficiencies you might have. People with MS are often fatigued, and those with
advanced disease may have difficulty swallowing. A nutritionist can suggest
foods that are healthy, energizing, and easy to prepare and swallow.

Physiatrist. A
physiatrist is a doctor who takes a multi-disciplinary approach to treating
physical impairments. He or she can address mobility issues, spastic muscles, and
bowel or bladder problems.

Physical therapist. A
physical therapist can aid in maintaining strength, coordination, balance, and
gait. “A physical therapist also can help you learn about energy management,”
Kalb says. “Even before MS symptoms start to limit mobility, most people are
living with significant fatigue. A physical therapist can provide an exercise
plan that keeps you mobile, prevents progression, and helps you manage MS
symptoms when they do occur.”

Occupational
therapist. Like a physical therapist, an occupational therapist is a
rehabilitation specialist. An occupational therapist can help you manage daily
living tasks such as dressing, bathing, and preparing meals. These
professionals can also suggest assistive devices and provide tips for
accomplishing everyday tasks with more ease.

Psychologist. People with MS have a 50 percent chance of having a major depressive episode. It's
wise not to wait to include this medical professional in your team. "A
psychologist can help with mood issues that can start to develop early on, and you
shouldn’t wait until you’re in crisis to get help,” Kalb says. Psychologists
can also provide emotional support and education for a person with MS and his
or her family members, too.

Your Extended MS Care
Team

Other professionals with specialized training can also be
valuable members of your MS care team and may include:

Neuropsychologist. A
neuropsychologist has special training in evaluating cognitive functions. Many
people with MS have cognitive impairment. “It’s important to have someone on
your MS team paying particular attention to cognition,” Kalb says.

Social worker. Like
a nurse, a social worker can help you navigate the health care system,
coordinate your care, find the medical and financial resources you need, and help
you get the benefits you're entitled to.

Urologist and/or
gynecologist. A urologist can diagnose and treat urinary problems in men
and women with MS as well as problems related to sexual functioning in men with
MS. Women with MS who are considering pregnancy or have reproductive issues should
also include a gynecologist on their MS care team.

Pharmacist. A
pharmacist can play an important role in ensuring that you take your
medications correctly and avoid any dangerous drug interactions, Costello says.

Speech-language
pathologist. This specialist can help you with any speech or swallowing
issues and provide help with cognitive impairment that’s often part of MS.

Your MS care team may change as MS symptoms progress, but you'll benefit
most from a team of specialists that's coordinated and complete based on your
individual care needs.

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